After returning to the finals last year, after overcoming a tumultuous past couple of years with the ASADA scandal, 2018 shapes as a big year for the Dons after bringing in a trio of big name recruits in Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad.
However, former Essendon captain Tim Watson believes the hype should be cooled as there is still some concern around the Bombers' midfield depth in particular.
“I think this hype around Essendon is overstated,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“I still think they’re going to be deficient in the midfield. I don’t think they’ve got enough absolute super talent in their midfield, and depth in their midfield, to go with the best.
“They lowered their colours many times last year. They’ve got enough talent to make the eight, but I’m not saying they’re a lock for the eight.”
With fans setting a high expectation for the club this season, Watson admits he does understand why there is so much hype. With the likes of Joe Daniher, Dyson Heppell and Darcy Parish with the added expectation, expect these starts to rise to the occasion.
“There is a lot of excitement around Essendon because the real emergence of Joe Daniher last year, his superstar potential,” Watson said.
“Then Jake Stringer coming to the club with Smith and Saad. You have other young players that have been starting to rise to the top in Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Orazio Fantasia really starting to blossom.
“There is a lot of excitement around that team.”
The Dons play Richmond in Wangaratta and Geelong in Colac before opening there season against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.
